A Boy with Autism Finds a Musical Voice

Music allows people to find success.  I work with a young boy who has autism.  He speaks almost exclusively in eccholalia.  He will only repeat what you say when you ask a question, or he will say the same phrase over and over without meaning.  During a recent session I picked up a small xylophone toy he has.  It only has 6 notes on it.  I played a short pattern, and shockingly he played the same notes and rhythm I had just played!  I was surprised.  I then played the first 8 notes of Twinkle, Twinkle, Litte Star and was astounded when he played the next 8 eight notes in the song!  The musical ability he displayed in that moment is extraordinary for any child.  Without me showing him how or giving any direction he was able to figure out the remaining melody of a song and play it note perfect.  I credit music with the ability to give him the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way.  It opens those windows to the soul that show how extraodinary the people I work with can be.

Music Therapy with a young boy with autism

I recently went to see a young boy with autism at his home.  When I got there, I could hear him screaming when I was outside the door.  When they opened the door, it was clear he was upset.  He was wondering around, screaming asking for things, but not really wanting what he was asking for because when his mom would give it to hm he would just scream and ask for something else.

The mom looked at me and said, "go ahead and see what you can do."  I took out my guitar and strummed a chord.  The boy stopped.  He looked at me.  He came over and we sang and played instruments.  It doesn't always work that quickly and dramatically, but it has worked like that enough that I wasn't surprised.